DE202021103664U1 - Device for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for the local sterilization of aerosol-containing air, comprising
a) at least one flow channel (13) with one or more flow cross-sections,
b) at least one fan (7) for generating an air flow in the flow channel,
c) means for sterilizing (10) at least one aerosol in the air stream,
d) at least one suction opening (4) for the aerosol-containing air into the flow channel as well
e) at least one exhaust air opening (6) for a sterilized air flow from the flow channel, wherein
f) the at least one suction opening opens into at least one suction volume (14), each of the at least one suction volume being adjacent to an aerosol source.

Description

The innovation relates to a device for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air, preferably aerosol contaminated with a pathogen such as corona virus SARS-CoV-2, cold and flu viruses and other infectious viral pathogens according to the first claim.

In indoor rooms where people are in a high density in a certain spatial order, there is an increased risk of infection due to the transmission possibilities of viruses, in particular Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2, through aerosol particles contaminated with viruses that are exhaled by the people present there or expelled when sneezing or coughing. Aerosols are airborne due to their small size (mass) and, depending on the ambient conditions, can remain airborne in the interior for up to several hours. Such interiors include restaurants, seminar and training rooms, classrooms in schools, lecture halls, doctor's offices, meeting rooms for doctors, fitness studios, etc., but also clean rooms or other rooms with a controlled atmosphere.

Due to the transmission routes via aerosols, minimum distances are therefore necessary, e.g. against the background of the current requirements for the Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2, larger table distances in restaurants, which in turn lead to high economic losses due to the lower occupancy density. Similarly, these requirements for distance rules in schools mean that lessons can only take place in smaller groups for shorter lesson times, which leads to massive cancellations of lessons. In these environments, however, there are mostly individuals or small groups of people in a fixed location in the interior (e.g. four family members at a table in the restaurant, or a group of three students at a work table, or a single person at a fitness machine in the studio , or a patient at the dentist). The aim is therefore to prevent or reduce the exchange of aerosols from one person or from one group of people to another group of people, e.g. from one table in the restaurant to the next or the next but one.

In addition, the transmission of viruses through aerosols is influenced by external environmental influences, such as temperature and air humidity, which have an impact on the lifespan of the aerosols and thus the viruses in the air. In this way, the aerosol particles can dry out more quickly in dry air and thus render the virus harmless more quickly than is possible in moist air. This can be observed particularly drastically, e.g. in the slaughterhouses, where low temperatures and high humidity promote the transmission of viruses.

For example, suction devices are known, in particular for commercial applications, in which a suction opening such as a suction bell is positioned at an emission source and the emissions are sucked up and passed on into an exhaust air duct system. For reasons of noise protection, the suction usually takes place at the end of the exhaust duct system. Sterilization - if provided at all - usually takes place centrally for all connected suction devices, apart from in the exhaust air duct system. Such suction devices are, however, exhaust air systems, i.e. the extracted air will flow back into the room through other openings in closed rooms, which in turn does not allow use in particular in security areas or clean rooms.

Furthermore, exhaust systems for rooms are known in which the air is usually extracted from only a few places in the room, often on the ceiling. The suction takes place integrally and not separately for each emission source, which is particularly unsatisfactory for the suction and destruction of air containing pathogens.

Furthermore, air circulation systems are known in which the air in one room is sucked in, treated, i.e. cleaned, filtered and / or brought back into the room at another point. They are primarily used for air conditioning in closed rooms, vehicles and buildings.

Circulating air systems are preferably air conditioning and cleaning systems in clean rooms, in which the extracted air is routed centrally or decentrally to sources of pollution, usually via a circulating air duct system, from the room, where it is cleaned, filtered and / or returned to the room at a controlled temperature. Similar air circulation systems are also used, for example, for vehicle air conditioning or for air conditioning mainframe systems.

An example of circulating air cleaning systems in which the air drawn in is not led out of the room for treatment are circulating air extractor hoods for kitchen and laboratory applications.

However, approaches are also known in which circulating air cleaning systems are also used additionally or exclusively for disinfecting air flowing through.

From the EP 2 455 678 A2 is such a circulating air cleaning system for the disinfection of flowing air, especially for the clinical area known. For this purpose, the air flow, preferably in a volume flow, preferably up to 250 m ³ / h, is exposed to a radiation power of at least 30 mW / cm ² by means of a UVC radiator and is thus sterilized. Here light is preferably used with a wavelength above 200 nm. It is also proposed to combine the cleaning with an additional ionization and / or for particle separation with a filter cleaning. Local suction directed at a source of contamination is not disclosed. A combination of a particulate filter and a downstream UV sterilization for use in a ventilation and air conditioning system is also generally from the DD 1576 26 known.

Also from the DE 10 2015 013 630 A1 a device for producing germ-reduced room air, in particular for technical storage systems, is known. Germs are also killed by UVC radiation. This system, too, does not have any local suction directed at a source of contamination.

From the DE 20 2016 004 286 U1 a ventilation arrangement with an extractor hood for the kitchen area is known, in which a separator is arranged downstream of UV light emitters and causes ozone formation there in such a way that, in addition to the antibacterial effect, particles contained in the filtered exhaust air are also crushed and via a suction device for ventilation reach. The system is designed in such a way that mixed air can be formed from external fresh air and / or kitchen fumes.

However, all of the above-mentioned circulating air cleaning systems are often characterized by a pronounced noise development, since the air that is sucked in has to be conveyed through a pressure-reducing cleaning stage, usually a filter element. However, this limits the usability enormously.

Based on this, one task of the innovation is to design a device of the type mentioned in such a way that it is suitable for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air, preferably with a pathogen such as corona virus SARS-CoV-2, cold and flu viruses and other infectious viral viruses Pathogens, on the one hand and conceptually suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments.

The object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1. Subclaims referring back to this reproduce advantageous embodiments and refinements.

One solution to the task is based on the basic idea of a combination of local trapping of the aerosols in one place with one person, with several people belonging together (e.g. at a restaurant table) or another aerosol source, combined with local deactivation of the virus (rendering harmless) with low flow resistance at the same time.

A device is consequently proposed that locally sucks in aerosol-containing air from at least one suction volume in an immediate and locally delimited surrounding area via at least one suction opening, sterilizing it in the device and releasing it again into this surrounding area via at least one exhaust air opening. The surrounding areas extend preferably in the range between 1 to 4 m, more preferably columnar or spherical, around the device. The distance between the suction opening and the exhaust air opening is preferably a maximum of 1.5 m, more preferably a maximum of 1.0 m.

A cleaning of the air from the aerosol and / or particles is not in the foreground, but the most effective possible sterilization of the sucked in aerosol-containing air. Separation stages that would cause additional flow resistance in the device are not required. Nevertheless, within the scope of individual embodiments, separating means or means for separating off flow components are also proposed below within the scope of the means for sterilization, but these only take over their function in the overall context of the sterilization. The aim of the treatment running at the same time as the separation is to render the viruses harmless so that there is no longer any infectivity.

1. a) mindestens einen Durchströmungskanal mit einem oder mehreren Durchströmungsquerschnitten, vorzugsweise einen Durchströmungskanal mit einem Durchströmungsquerschnitt,
2. b) mindestens einem Ventilator zur Erzeugung eines Luftstromes im Durchströmungskanal,
3. c) Mittel zur Sterilisierung von mindestens einem Aerosol im Luftstrom,
4. d) mindestens einer Ansaugöffnung für die aerosolhaltige Luft in den Durchströmungskanal sowie
5. e) mindestens einer Abluftöffnung für einen sterilisiertenLuftstrom aus den Durchströmungskanal,

wobei

• f) die mindestens eine Ansaugöffnung in mindestens ein Ansaugvolumen einmündet, wobei jedes des mindestens einen Ansaugvolumens jeweils an eine Aerosolquelle angrenzt.

To solve the problem, a device for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air is therefore proposed, comprising the following components:

1. a) at least one through-flow channel with one or more through-flow cross-sections, preferably one through-flow channel with one through-flow cross-section,
2. b) at least one fan for generating an air flow in the flow channel,
3. c) means for the sterilization of at least one aerosol in the air stream,
4. d) at least one suction opening for the aerosol-containing air into the flow channel as well
5. e) at least one exhaust air opening for a sterilized air flow from the flow channel,

whereby

• f) the at least one suction opening opens into at least one suction volume, each of the at least one suction volume being adjacent to an aerosol source.

In this context, local means close proximity to equipment, preferably combining the suction and discharge of the aerosol-containing air with the sterilization of this air, preferably in recirculation mode. Local also means in particular the apparatus proximity of the device to the suction volume and to the adjoining at least one aerosol source as a spatial delimitation to neighboring devices / suction volumes / aerosol sources with other, preferably non-overlapping suction volumes in the same room. In a restaurant, for example, the individual tables with people sitting at them (aerosol sources) as well as a device arranged on, above or below the table with a suction volume arranged in between (preferably above the table top) form a local system that locally delimits neighboring systems of the same type.

It is essential that the air is sucked in from the volume with the local aerosol source. The suction volume mentioned is consequently the volume immediately in front of the suction opening (distance preferably up to 1 meter between the suction opening and the aerosol source) and is located in the inflow area of the device. An intake volume also includes at least one of the aerosol sources that release an aerosol into the intake volume. In the inflow area, a dominant flow directed in the direction of the suction opening forms.

Said suction volume is consequently defined as the limited volume immediately in front of the suction opening with a free distance from the suction opening of 0.6 m, preferably 1.0 m, more preferably 1.5 m. It preferably comprises the volume area between the suction opening and the aerosol source. It is in fluid contact with an aerosol source, e.g. an exhaling person, and the suction opening as an aerosol sink. A suction volume further preferably comprises at least the smallest spherical volume between a suction opening and an aerosol source, both the suction opening and the aerosol source touching the spherical surface of the spherical volume.

The at least one through-flow channel connects, preferably an outgoing or introducing branch, the at least one suction opening with the at least one exhaust air opening. The at least one throughflow channel has a throughflow cross section at each point (in total), which does not necessarily have to be uniformly constant. The flow channel is wholly or predominantly oriented, i.e. in at least one section, preferably vertically. In favor of a low flow resistance, a preferably straight design is proposed, but depending on the embodiments and design of the means for sterilization described below, it also has flow deflection areas. Lower flow deflection areas can also be configured as collecting areas, preferably collecting containers for separated aerosol constituents and / or particles.

A fanning out or subdivision into several throughflow channels (subchannels) and / or merging of several throughflow channels (subchannels) between the at least one intake opening and the at least one exhaust air opening fall within the scope of the innovation. The amount of air drawn in then also preferably leaves the device again only via the at least one exhaust air opening, apart from the aerosol components temporarily separated in the flow channel and / or the aerosols and / or particles rendered harmless by the device.

• - Mittel zur Sterilisierung, die auf den zu sterilisierenden Luftstrom direkt und auf abgeschiedene Aerosolbestandteile einwirken, ein- oder mehrstufig. Die Mittel umfassen zusätzlich Mittel zur Abtrennung des mindestens einen Aerosols oder Anteile davon aus dem Luftstrom. Diese Mittel zur Abtrennung dienen vorzugsweise der selektiven und temporären Fixierung von Aerosolbestandteilen für eine nachfolgende Sterilisierung. Sie sind nicht für eine Abtrennung von Staubpartikeln oder anderen festen Bestandteilen vorgesehen.
• - Mittel zur Sterilisierung, die auf den zu sterilisierenden Luftstrom direkt einwirken, ein- oder mehrstufig, aber ohne die vorgenannten Mittel zur Abtrennung des mindestens einen Aerosols oder Anteile davon aus dem Luftstrom.

The innovation basically comprises the following basic forms of sterilization means:

• - Means for sterilization, which act directly on the air stream to be sterilized and on deposited aerosol components, in one or more stages. The means additionally comprise means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof from the air stream. These separation means are preferably used for the selective and temporary fixation of aerosol constituents for subsequent sterilization. They are not intended for the separation of dust particles or other solid components.
• - Means for sterilization which act directly on the air stream to be sterilized, in one or more stages, but without the aforementioned means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof from the air stream.

• - Heizmittel mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal,
• - UV-Lichtquelle, vorzugsweise eine UVC-Lichtquelle, mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal,
• - Mittel für eine Plasmaentladung mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal, und/oder
• - mindestens eine Mikrowellenquelle mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal.

Depending on the embodiment, the means for sterilization have an active area in the flow channel and / or over the separation surfaces. They can also be designed as follows and consequently comprise at least one of the following means:

• - heating means with effective area in the flow channel,
• - UV light source, preferably a UVC light source, with effective area in the flow channel,
• - Means for a plasma discharge with an effective area in the flow channel, and / or
• - At least one microwave source with an effective area in the flow channel.

• 1a und b schematisch eine beispielhafte Anordnung einer Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung in seitlicher Ansicht (a) und Draufsicht (b),
• 2a bis c schematische Querschnittsansichten von bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen für eine Anordnung nach 1a und b,
• 3 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung für eine Anordnung auf einer Tischplatte,
• 4a und b schematisch beispielhafte Unterfluranordnungen von Ausführungsformen der Vorrichtung in seitlicher Ansicht,
• 5 schematisch eine beispielhafte weitere Ausführungsform, bei der die mindestens eine Abluftöffnung direkt in das mindestens eine Ansaugvolumen ausmündet,
• 6a und b schematisch weitere Ausführungsform gemäß 1a und b, jedoch umfassend mindestens ein Mittel zur Umlenkung des Luftstroms aus der Abluftöffnung in Richtung der mindestens einen Ansaugöffnung,
• 7a und b schematisch beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend eine elektrostatische Abscheidung für das Aerosol,
• 8a und b schematisch beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend eine Abscheidung für das Aerosol mittels Massenkraftabscheider und/oder eine den Durchströmungsquerschnitt überspannende Filterfläche,
• 9a bis d in schematischen Schnittdraufsichten über den Durchströmungsquerschnitt des Durchströmungskanals beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend umströmbare Elemente sowie
• 10a und b eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform mit einer Ausgestaltung der Mittel zur Sterilisierung mittels UVC LED und Abwärmeleitblechen.

The innovation is explained in more detail on the basis of embodiments and examples, the following figures and descriptions. All of the features shown and their combinations are not limited to these exemplary embodiments and their configurations. Rather, these are to be viewed as being representative of further possible, but not explicitly shown as exemplary embodiments, further configurations that can be combined. Show it

• 1a and b schematically shows an exemplary arrangement of an embodiment of the device in side view (a) and top view (b),
• 2a until c schematic cross-sectional views of preferred configurations for an arrangement according to FIG 1a and b,
• 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment for an arrangement on a table top,
• 4a and b schematically exemplary underfloor arrangements of embodiments of the device in a side view,
• 5 schematically an exemplary further embodiment in which the at least one exhaust air opening opens directly into the at least one intake volume,
• 6a and b schematically further embodiment according to 1a and b, but comprising at least one means for deflecting the air flow from the exhaust air opening in the direction of the at least one intake opening,
• 7a and b schematically exemplary means for sterilization, comprising an electrostatic separation for the aerosol,
• 8a and b schematically exemplary means for sterilization, comprising a separation for the aerosol by means of a mass force separator and / or a filter surface spanning the flow cross-section,
• 9a until d in schematic sectional top views over the flow cross-section of the flow channel, exemplary means for sterilization, including elements around which flow can flow and
• 10a and b a particularly preferred embodiment with a configuration of the means for sterilization by means of UVC LED and waste heat conducting plates.

As part of a through 1 The preferred first embodiment represented is a device 1 above a table or worktop 2 or an accessible room. persons 3 (or other sources of germs) as aerosol sources usually sit around the table or are in the room, with at least one suction opening 4th are preferably arranged at the level or above the aerosol sources (eg breathing openings of the people) and preferably point downwards.

2a until c show simple preferred configurations for this in schematic cross-sectional views. They each comprise a vertically aligned tubular housing that is open on both sides 5 , the lower opening being the suction opening 4th and the upper opening is the exhaust opening 6th form. The fan is preferably in or on the exhaust air opening 7th inserted or attached. It preferably spans the entire flow cross-section. The means of sterilization 10 are located in the housing between the fan and the suction opening. The suction opening preferably points downwards. The tubular housing preferably has a constant cross section ( 2a) . With a trumpet-shaped flow cross-section of the housing towards the outlet ( 2 B) a more streamlined suction of the aerosol-containing air takes place from the suction volume 14th over the table. It advantageously favors a laminar flow into the device. Shows a customizable suction for each person separately 2c , where the suction openings 4th laterally at the bottom of the housing 5 open radially. The orientation of these suction openings can preferably be aligned.

There are also in the housings in the flow channel 13th the means of sterilization 10 the aerosol-containing air flowing through, which in turn are arranged with arrows. The means for sterilization are single or multi-level.

A preferred embodiment for this purpose comprises an in 3 an example of a vessel that is open at the top 11 , in which part of the device 1 including the suction opening 4th with the formation of an annular gap volume 12th is used. The device with the vessel is preferably a table-top device, the vessel at least partially lying in the at least one suction volume and serving as a means for deflecting the aerosol-containing air that is sucked in.

In a preferred further embodiment according to 4a is the device 1 below a floor, table or worktop 2 arranged, wherein the suction opening through the floor, table or work surface through points upwards. The advantage is that this Design represents an underfloor design and is thus better shielded with its structural volume and its operating noise by the floor, table or worktop. In an advantageous manner, it is no longer perceived as so annoying.

A particularly advantageous embodiment for this purpose provides the suction opening which is open at the top 4th with the formation of a circumferential suction gap 21 with a cover element at a distance from the floor, table or worktop 2 to cover. In the case of a table, this cover element is preferably a cover plate 8th that can be used as a storage facility, e.g. for food ( 4b) . In this case, the gap opens into the suction volume in a particularly advantageous manner at the point at which people sitting around the table preferably exhale.

4b also shows optional passage openings 22nd through the floor, table or worktop 2 arranged under the suction volume 14th . They serve to return the air flow from the exhaust air opening 6th in the suction volume 14th , with an optional deflection pan 23 as an additional means of diversion 19th the return of an increased proportion of the sterilized air flow is improved. As shown is the edge of this deflection trough 23 to avoid back pressure (e.g. through covered passage openings) spaced from the underside of the table top, which causes an exit of the sterilized air flow around the table top edge (preferably between the table top and the people sitting at the table) back to the suction volume 14th enables.

In principle, the exhaust air opening can also be connected to an exhaust air duct system, the fan being part of the exhaust air duct system.

Generally, the at least one is a fan 7th in the flow channel 13th preferably between the means of sterilization 10 and exhaust vent 6th and / or at the exhaust air opening 6th arranged. At this point in the device, the noise of the fan can best be shielded.

In an advantageous manner, the ventilator is exclusively flowed against by the sterilized air stream. However, this also pursues a general aim of the innovation that the sucked in, non-sterilized air flow is fed directly to the means for sterilization without coming into contact with other elements, such as filter elements or flow guide elements of the fan. This also reduces the required disinfection intervals for the device.

In principle, the fan can also be designed as a sheath flow fan, which is preferably inserted centrally in the flow channel and does not occupy the entire flow cross section. It is consequently not only penetrated by the air flow, but also flows around it and generates a central air flow which then takes the surrounding air flow areas with it through the flow channel, preferably from the exhaust air opening. The flow profile is consequently maximum in the flow cross-section in the area of the sheath flow fan and then decreases towards the walls of the flow channel and thus the exhaust air opening, so that not only quieter operation, but also fundamentally lower turbulence when the sterilized aerosol-containing air emerges. This is particularly useful for the convenience of those in the vicinity of the device.

Represented a preferred further embodiment 5 . It provides that the at least one exhaust air opening 6th directly into the at least one suction volume 14th empties. The sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening is thus returned directly from the flow channel to the at least one suction volume and thus advantageously dilutes the germ concentration in the aerosol-containing air in the suction volume.

This in 5 The illustrated embodiment for this purpose includes, for example, a device on a table top 2 , ie can be placed between, preferably in the middle of the people sitting at the table. Here, for example, there is a suction opening oriented radially outwards towards the people 4th or a row of suction openings and an exhaust air opening arranged above it, which is also oriented towards the outside 6th or a row of exhaust air openings is provided, the air then radially inward in at least one vertical through-flow channel section 15th headed in which the means of sterilization 10 and preferably also the fan 7th are arranged. The suction opening 4th is preferably located below the person's breathing openings (mouth and nose) and are aligned with them. The suction opening and exhaust air opening are preferably directed not only close to one another but also parallel to one another towards the suction volume. In the example these are through a partition plate 16 horizontally separated from each other, with a lower, vessel-shaped housing half 17th the suction opening 4th downwards and an upper, vessel-shaped housing half 18th the exhaust vent 6th limit towards the top.

Basically, the in 5 illustrated embodiment also an aforementioned embodiment, such as 2a and b are shown, supplemented by the upper and lower housing halves 17th respectively. 18th and the partition plate 16 as a means of redirecting the flow of air into and out of the device.

Represent a preferred further embodiment 6a and b. They include at least one means of deflection 19th of the sterilized air flow from an exhaust port 6th as a return air flow in the direction of the at least one suction opening 4th or the at least one suction volume 14th at the at least one suction opening. This means that the sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening is not introduced directly into the suction volume, but through the means for deflection 19th is only diverted in the direction there.

The means for deflection comprise at least one deflection plate 20th or at least one deflection channel (not shown further) (for example deflection hoses, preferably adjustable in direction), preferably the exhaust air opening 6th further preferably immediately downstream in the direction of flow. This means that the sterilized air flow leaves the cleaning with the exhaust air opening and thus for him before reaching the suction volume 14th despite the means for deflection, there is the possibility of mixing with the prevailing ambient air.

A special embodiment provides that the means for deflection 19th directly into the at least one suction volume 14th , more preferably into the suction volume from which the deflected sterilized air stream originally comes, open out or are directed. The air flow is directed here away from the aerosol source directly to at least one suction volume. In the case of a table with a device arranged centrally above it (see also 1a and b) this means that the deflected sterilized air flow is directed downwards towards the table surface, in front of the heads of the people sitting at the table (cf. 6a) .

An alternative embodiment provides that the aerosol sources between the means for deflection 19th and the at least one suction port 4th are positioned. In the case of a table with a device arranged centrally above it, this means that the deflected sterilized air flow is directed downwards, but behind the heads of the people sitting at the table 3 is steered (cf. 6b) . Due to the suction from the suction volume in front of the heads of the people sitting at the table, the sterilized air flow also moves up past the heads into the suction volume 14th .

Configurations of the means for sterilizing the at least one aerosol or portions thereof in the air stream are explained in more detail below.

First refinements of the means for sterilization additionally comprise means for separating off the at least one aerosol or portions thereof in the air stream. These separation means are preferably used for the selective and temporary fixation of aerosol constituents for subsequent sterilization. They are not intended for the separation of dust particles or other solid components.

An embodiment of these means for sterilization, represented by 7a and b, comprises at least one separation surface as a means for separation 24 for the aerosol. The aerosol can preferably be fixed on the separation surfaces for sterilization. The provision of an electrostatic field is also preferred 25th between two electrodes 26th suggested. The electrostatic field extends at least over part of the at least one separation surface. More preferably, this field extends at at least one point in the flow channel 13th over the entire flow cross-section. An aerosol bypassed the separation surfaces (flow indicated by arrows) automatically passes through the electrostatic field, with aerosol components 27 , in particular already ionized components, preferably to the separation surfaces 24 be distracted. Optionally, there is an upstream ionization stage (not shown) for the aerosol components before they enter the electrostatic field. It is also proposed that one of the electrodes as in 7a and b, represented by at least a part of the at least one separation surface, arranged between the at least one suction opening and the electrostatic field in such a way that it captures the air flow in the entire flow cross-section.

7a shows an exemplary embodiment without internals, ie flow obstacles in the flow channel. The electrodes are face to face; the separation surface 24 can be irradiated, for example, from the other electrode, for example through one on the inner wall of the housing 5 arranged UV radiation source.

In contrast, represented 7b an embodiment in the separation area 24 through the circumferential inner wall of the housing 5 is formed and with a central electrode 26th a rotating electrostatic field 25th spans.

The constellations shown are particularly suitable for sterilization by means of an electrostatic plasma field over the separation surfaces or the separation areas, alternatively also for thermal sterilization by heating the separation surfaces, e.g. using a microwave.

In addition or as an alternative to this, it is proposed that at least part of the at least one aforementioned separation surface be used for a coolant (preferably fluidically via coolant circuits or electrically via Peltier elements) Has surface temperature. This cools the surface temperature of the separation surfaces down, preferably below 10 ° C, more preferably below 0 ° C. With cooling, depending on the set temperature, condensation or frost formation and thus the binding of aerosol constituents when they hit a separation surface is accelerated and detachment from it through evaporation or sublimation is advantageously delayed.

It is preferably provided that on the at least one separation surface 24 also to sterilize fixed aerosol constituents there, whereby these evaporate or sublime after, but preferably during, the sterilization and thus leave the separation surface in a sterilized manner.

Another embodiment of the means for separation is represented 8a and b. They include at least one inertia separator and / or a filter surface spanning the flow cross-section.

8a shows an example of means for separation in the form of a mass force separator 29 preferably with at least one flow deflection 28 and subsequent separation areas after each flow deflection 30th , ie at least one separate separation surface for the at least one aerosol. Mass force separators preferably use the differences in the inertia mass of air and aerosol components when the flow is deflected and / or the flow velocity changes for a material separation. As a result, the aerosol components accumulate locally in the air, for example in the aforementioned separation areas. The separation surfaces of the separation areas are preferably heatable as part of a sterilization, ie the sterilization (and immediately following evaporation) preferably takes place when aerosol constituents impinge on the separation surfaces.

In an in 8b As an alternative or in addition, a configuration shown as an example is a flow cross-section of the flow channel 13th spanning filter surface 31 proposed, which can be used as separation surfaces or separation areas for a temporary fixation of aerosol constituents for the subsequent sterilization. The illustrated, preferably inclined, arrangement of the filter surface advantageously enlarges the filter surface available as a separation surface and enables a preferred arrangement of at least one UV radiation source 32 for the sterilization of the aerosol components deposited on the filter surface on the inner wall of the tubular housing 5 .

To shield the environment from the flow channel 13th emerging UV radiation are both sides of the UV radiation sources 32 additional light-tight, but permeable, open-pored foam elements 33 , preferably designed as metal foam elements, arranged.

In a further preferred embodiment, the aforementioned open-pore foam elements through which a flow can flow are designed to be heatable, preferably as metal foam elements by means of resistance heating or with a microwave source. They thus serve as an alternative or additional sterilization stage, with the pore surfaces also being used as temporary separation stages for aerosol constituents.

The separation areas or additional separation surfaces are preferably positioned in the areas of the local enrichment of the aerosol constituents. The inertial force separators and / or the filter surfaces serve as separation surfaces, in contrast to the prior art not for permanent fixation and removal, but for the temporary fixation of aerosol components for the subsequent sterilization.

Furthermore, it is preferably proposed here that the at least one mass force separator and / or the filter surface form or have at least one separate separation surface for the at least one aerosol.

1. a) ein elektrostatisches Plasmafeld über den Abscheideflächen oder den Abscheidebereichen (vgl. insbes. 7a und b), und/oder
2. b) ein Aufheizmittel zur Erhitzung des durchströmenden Mediums, d.h. der Luft und des Aerosols, vorzugsweise im Abscheidebereich, vorzugsweise auch Erhitzung der mindestens einen Abscheidefläche auf eine Temperatur von über 40 °C, vorzugsweise größer 70°C, und/oder
3. c) mindestens eine UV Strahlungsquelle (vorzugsweise UVC Strahlungsquelle), vorzugsweise UV- oder UVC-LEDs oder eine Gasentladungslampe (vorzugsweise eine Quecksilber-Gasentladungslampe) umfassend, mit einer Wellenlänge zwischen 180 und 410 nm, vorzugsweise zwischen 220 und 280 nm, vorzugsweise auf die Abscheideflächen oder Abscheidebereiche gerichtet (vgl. insbes. 8a und b), und/oder
4. d) eine Mikrowellenquelle zur Erhitzung der mindestens einen Abscheidefläche oder des Abscheidebereiches.

The aforementioned means for separation, in particular the preferred separation surfaces or separation areas, are part of the means for sterilization. This pursues the idea of first separating and / or fixing the aerosol in order to then sterilize it with the aid of the following means. The sterilization agents that can be combined with these are preferably:

1. a) an electrostatic plasma field over the separation surfaces or the separation areas (see esp. 7a and b), and / or
2. b) a heating means for heating the medium flowing through, ie the air and the aerosol, preferably in the separation area, preferably also heating the at least one separation surface to a temperature of over 40 ° C., preferably greater than 70 ° C., and / or
3. c) at least one UV radiation source (preferably UVC radiation source), preferably UV or UVC LEDs or a gas discharge lamp (preferably a mercury gas discharge lamp) comprising, with a wavelength between 180 and 410 nm, preferably between 220 and 280 nm, preferably on the Separation surfaces or Directional separation areas (see esp. 8a and b), and / or
4. d) a microwave source for heating the at least one separation surface or the separation area.

The means mentioned are activated in the operating state, preferably with a constant load or setting, alternatively in pulses, cyclically or at intervals.

The means for sterilization mentioned under b) and d) are distinguished from the means mentioned a) and c) by an increased temperature emission, which is why they are proposed in particular for heat-insensitive environments. As an alternative to this, it is proposed to combine these means with other means, preferably the UV sterilization mentioned under c). The agents mentioned under b) and d) are used here, adjusted to a lower temperature level, e.g. between 30 and 50 ° C, only to prevent damage caused by drying of the germ-contaminated aerosols and thus to increase the efficiency of a subsequent UV sterilization.

1. a) Mindestens ein Heizmittel mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel hierbei ist die möglichst vollständige konvektive Aufheizung des vollständigen Luftstroms über den gesamten Durchströmungsquerschnitt im unmittelbaren Kontakt mit Heizelementen oder zusätzlichen Wärmeübertragungselementen. Gegenüber allgemein bekannten Heißluftgebläsen (Heizlüfter, Föns etc.) zeichnet sich dieses Heizmittel durch eine maximale Temperatur der Heizelemente oder zusätzlichen Wärmeübertragungselemente unterhalb 100°C, vorzugsweise unter 70 oder 50°C aus. Um eine vollständige Erwärmung zu gewährleisten, sind im Durchströmungskanal zur Realisierung kürzerer Wärmeübertragungswege in den Luftstrom zumindest eine Auffächerung des Luftstroms in Teilkanäle vorteilhaft. Dies erfordert zumindest anströmbare oder umströmbare Elemente 34 im Durchströmungskanal, von denen einige beispielhaft in den Draufsichten über den Durchströmungsquerschnitt in 9a bis d schematisch dargestellt sind. 9a repräsentiert ein Schaumelement 33, vorzugsweise ein Metallschaumelement (vgl. 8b), während beispielhafte 9b bis d Profileinsätze zeigen, die sich vorzugsweise in axialer Richtung des rohrförmigen Gehäuses 5 nicht oder nur mit einer Schraubenförmigen Verdrehung ändern. Das mindestens eine Heizmittel umfasst dabei vorzugsweise mindestens ein Widerstandheizelement mit oder ohne Wärmeübertragungselemente, das als mindestens ein anströmbares oder umströmbares Element 34 der vorgenannten Art im Durchströmungskanal weiter bevorzugt von der Luftströmung an- oder umströmbar angeordnet ist. Vorzugsweise erfolgt eine Wärmeübertragung über Wärmeableitungsrippen oder einen offenporigen Metallschaum (Schaumelement 33, 9a) oder ein Sieb oder Siebgewebe im Durchströmungskanal (beispielhaft die in 9b bis d gezeigten Profileinsätze), als Komponenten dieser Heizmittel, wobei diese entweder durch direkten Stromdurchgang oder über angesetzte Heizelemente aufheizbar gestaltet sind. Die vorgenannten Wärmeableitungsrippen erstrecken sich vorzugsweise in Richtung der Luftströmung und/oder sind vorzugsweise als Strömungsleitungselemente ausgebildet. Eine optionale Ausgestaltung sieht beispielsweise vor, die Strömungsleitelemente mit Strömungsabrisselementen oder -kanten zur Erzeugung lokaler Turbulenzen, die in ihrer Ausdehnung vorzugsweise nicht auf den gesamten Strömungsquerschnitt erstrecken, in einer ansonsten bevorzugt laminaren Grundströmung auszugestalten. Strömungsabrisselemente sind bei einem offenporigen Metallschaum oder einem Siebgewebe allein durch deren komplexe Struktur gegeben. Turbulenzen dienen insbesondere dem Abbau der thermisch isolierenden Strömungsgrenzflächen auf einer angeströmten Oberfläche und erhöhen damit die erzielbare Wärmeübertragung. Dagegen erhöhen großvolumige Turbulenzen, die sich auf den gesamten Strömungsquerschnitt oder einen gesamten Teilquerschnitt erstrecken und/oder die ansonsten vorherrschende laminare Strömung dominieren, grundsätzlich auch die Gefahr von Refluxeffekten und damit ungewollte Vermischungen von sterilisierten und nicht sterilisierten Aerosolbestandteilen und/oder auch eine ungleichmäßige Wärmeübertragung auf die Aerosolbestandteile.
2. b) UV-Lichtquellen mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die UV-Lichtquelle, vorzugsweise eine UVC-Lichtquelle, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft direkt angestrahlt wird. Vorzugsweise werden hierzu mindestens eine UV-Lichtquelle im Durchströmungskanal angeordnet. Der Wirkbereich dieser UV-Lichtquellen befindet sich im Durchströmungskanal und erfasst vorzugsweise insgesamt, weiter bevorzugt für jede dieser UV-Quelle einen vollständigen und vorzugsweise auch einen eigenen Durchströmungsquerschnitt, was eine in Durchströmungsrichtung serielle Anordnung der Quellen als besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform hervorhebt. Vorzugsweise sind für eine Vermeidung einer unzulässig hohen Exposition an UV-Strahlung in der unmittelbaren Umgebung die UV-Lichtquellen und/oder die Wirkbereiche dieser optisch von der Ansaugöffnung und vorzugsweise von der Abluftöffnung abgeschirmt.
3. c) mindestens ein Mittel für eine Plasmaentladung mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die Plasmaentladung, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft wie bei der UV-Strahlung direkt angestrahlt wird. Vorzugsweise werden hierzu mindestens eine Plasmaentladung zwischen mindestens zwei Elektroden, die optional auch als elektrisch isolierte oder vorzugsweise elektrisch leitfähige Strömungsleitflächen gestaltbar sind, im Durchströmungskanal angeordnet. Optional werden auch mehrere Plasmaentladungen im Durchströmungskanal vorzugsweise seriell, bei einer Auffächerung in Teilkanäle auch parallel vorgeschlagen. Deren Wirkbereiche befinden
   sich im Durchströmungskanal und erfassen vorzugsweise insgesamt, weiter bevorzugt für jede dieser Plasmaentladung einen vollständigen und vorzugsweise auch eigenen Durchströmungsquerschnitt, was eine in Durchströmungsrichtung serielle Anordnung der Plasmaentladungsquellen als besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform hervorhebt.
4. d) mindestens eine Mikrowellenquelle mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die Mikrowellenquelle, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft angestrahlt wird und durch die Mikrowellen erwärmt wird. Die Mikrowellen erwärmend dabei entweder das Aerosol in der Luft direkt oder indirekt über angestrahlte Wärmeleitelemente, die in ihrer Ausgestaltung, insbesondere ihrer Materialauswahl, hinsichtlich ihrer Ankopplungseigenschaften an die eingestrahlte Mikrowellenlänge angepasst sind.

Furthermore, means for sterilization without the aforementioned means for separating off the at least one aerosol or parts thereof in the air stream are also proposed. The effective areas of these means preferably spans the flow cross-section at at least one point or, in the case of a fanning out, this spans the flow cross-sections completely. These means of sterilization, which are proposed alone or in combination with one another, are the following:

1. a) At least one heating medium with an effective area in the flow channel:
   • The aim here is the most complete convective heating of the complete air flow over the entire flow cross-section in direct contact with heating elements or additional heat transfer elements. Compared to generally known hot air blowers (fan heaters, hair dryers, etc.), this heating means is characterized by a maximum temperature of the heating elements or additional heat transfer elements below 100 ° C, preferably below 70 or 50 ° C. In order to ensure complete heating, at least a fanning out of the air flow into partial channels is advantageous in the flow channel in order to implement shorter heat transfer paths into the air flow. This requires at least elements that can flow against or around them 34 in the flow channel, some of which are exemplified in the top views of the flow cross-section in 9a until d are shown schematically. 9a represents a foam element 33 , preferably a metal foam element (cf. 8b) while exemplary 9b until d Show profile inserts, which are preferably located in the axial direction of the tubular housing 5 do not change or only change it with a helical twist. The at least one heating means preferably comprises at least one resistance heating element with or without heat transfer elements, which is at least one element that can be flown against or around 34 of the aforementioned type is further preferably arranged in the flow channel so that the air flow can flow onto or around it. Heat is preferably transferred via heat dissipation ribs or an open-pore metal foam (foam element 33 , 9a) or a sieve or sieve mesh in the flow channel (for example the one in 9b until d profile inserts shown), as components of these heating means, these being designed to be heated either by direct current passage or via attached heating elements. The aforementioned heat dissipation ribs preferably extend in the direction of the air flow and / or are preferably designed as flow line elements. An optional embodiment provides, for example, to design the flow guide elements with flow separation elements or edges for generating local turbulence, which preferably does not extend over the entire flow cross-section, in an otherwise preferably laminar basic flow. In the case of an open-pored metal foam or a screen mesh, flow separation elements are given solely by their complex structure. Turbulences serve in particular to reduce the thermally insulating flow interfaces on a surface exposed to the flow and thus increase the heat transfer that can be achieved. In contrast, large-volume turbulence that extends over the entire flow cross-section or an entire partial cross-section and / or dominates the otherwise prevailing laminar flow also increases the risk of reflux effects and thus unwanted mixing of sterilized and non-sterilized aerosol components and / or uneven heat transfer the aerosol components.
2. b) UV light sources with effective range in the flow channel:
   • The aim is to record the entire air flow passed through the flow channel by the UV light source, preferably a UVC light source, with the aerosol-containing air being irradiated directly. For this purpose, at least one UV light source is preferably used Arranged flow channel. The effective area of these UV light sources is located in the flow channel and preferably covers a complete and preferably also a separate flow cross section as a whole, more preferably for each of these UV sources, which emphasizes a serial arrangement of the sources in the flow direction as a particularly preferred embodiment. In order to avoid inadmissibly high exposure to UV radiation in the immediate vicinity, the UV light sources and / or the effective areas of these are preferably optically shielded from the intake opening and preferably from the exhaust air opening.
3. c) at least one means for a plasma discharge with an effective area in the flow channel:
   • The aim is to record the entire air flow passed through the flow channel by the plasma discharge, whereby the aerosol-containing air is directly irradiated as with UV radiation. For this purpose, at least one plasma discharge is preferably arranged in the flow channel between at least two electrodes, which can optionally also be configured as electrically insulated or preferably electrically conductive flow guide surfaces. Optionally, several plasma discharges are also suggested in the flow channel, preferably in series, and in the case of a fanning out into sub-channels also in parallel. Their effective ranges are located
   are located in the flow channel and preferably collectively, more preferably for each of these plasma discharges, a complete and preferably also separate flow cross-section, which emphasizes a serial arrangement of the plasma discharge sources in the flow direction as a particularly preferred embodiment.
4. d) at least one microwave source with an effective area in the flow channel:
   • The aim is to record the entire air flow passed through the flow channel by the microwave source, the aerosol-containing air being irradiated and heated by the microwaves. The microwaves either heat the aerosol in the air directly or indirectly via irradiated heat-conducting elements whose design, in particular their choice of materials, are adapted to the irradiated microwave length with regard to their coupling properties.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is shown 10a and b with an embodiment of the means for sterilization by means of UVC LED and waste heat conducting plates. It provides a device that has at least one UV light source (UV radiation source, generally also including UVC light source or UVC radiation source), in the example a UVC LED, as the means for sterilization 37 , provide additional heating means.

The at least one UV light source and the heating means preferably have effective areas arranged in series. More preferably, several UV light sources and then at least one heating means are arranged in series in the flow channel, each of these effective areas further preferably spanning the entire flow cross section.

10a shows schematically a side sectional view with a U-shaped around a circuit carrier 36 U-shaped flow channel 13th . In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous to combine the at least one UV light source (UVC-LED) in terms of equipment 37 ) and the heating means, wherein the heating means means for heat dissipation (cooling fins 38 ) of waste heat from the at least one UV light source. UVC-LED and cooling fins are each on one side of the circuit board 36 arranged, wherein the cooling fins are arranged in the flow direction parallel to the flow and are located in the flow channel preferably up to immediately in front of the arrangement of the UVC-LED, ie also in the area of the flow deflection 28 extend. They preferably also thermally capture the outer walls in the flow deflections, on or via which aerosol constituents preferably accumulate. An open-cell foam element 33 prevents light from escaping from the exhaust air opening; the ventilator 7th ensures the flow.

It is optionally proposed that at least one Peltier element is additionally provided as an electrothermal converter on the circuit carrier 36 between foam element 33 and cooling fins 38 to be arranged in such a way that the heat-absorbing pole of the Peltier element is coupled to the foam element and the heat-emitting pole of the Peltier element is coupled to the cooling fins. This removes heat from the air flow from the foam element and thus from the sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening, which is then added via the cooling fins as additional heating of the non-sterilized air flow drawn in via the suction opening.

10b shows a specific embodiment of a module with circuit carrier 36 Without housing, fan and foam element, but six with UVC LEDs arranged in series 37 as well as three cooling fins arranged parallel to one another under the circuit carrier 38 as well as electronic control components 39 .

The waste heat from the UV light sources can thus be used in a particularly advantageous manner for further sterilization of the air flow. A particularly preferred embodiment provides within the scope of this, to arrange the at least one UV light source and the heat dissipation structure on at least one circuit carrier such as a circuit board in or on the flow cross-section, further preferably with the at least one UV light source on one side and the heat dissipation structure on the other side of the at least one circuit carrier are arranged and the flow channel is adjacent to both sides of the circuit carrier.

The design of the in 10b The circuit carrier shown is preferably suitable as a module for a parallel arrangement with further circuit carriers. It is also proposed to design the flow cross-section to be correspondingly rectangular and not round.

This embodiment is therefore particularly suitable for integration in a device that can be used as a mobile table-top device. The suction opening 4th is preferably located below the person's breathing openings (mouth and nose). The suction opening and exhaust air opening are also preferred here 6th not only close to each other, but also parallel to each other on the suction volume 14th directed. The case 5 in the exemplary embodiment also has parallel upper and lower sides, so that the device can be used in a particularly advantageous manner as a support for objects such as, for example, as part of a hotplate for food.

Alternatively, this embodiment or just the aforementioned arrangement of the Peltier elements can be integrated in a flow deflection arrangement 8a on, preferably with a separate module for each flow deflection 10b can be provided (serial arrangement).

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

2

Table top or worktop

3

persons

4th

Suction opening

5

vertically oriented tubular housing

6th

Exhaust vent

7th

fan

8th

Cover plate

9

Intake opening with a trumpet-shaped widening flow cross-section

10

Means of sterilization

11

Open vessel

12th

Annular gap volume

13th

Flow channel

14th

Suction volume

15th

vertical flow channel section

16

Partition plate

17th

Lower case half

18th

Upper half of the case

19th

Means of redirection

20th

Baffle plate

21

Suction gap

22nd

Passage opening

23

Deflection pan

24

Separation surface

25th

Electrostatic field

26th

Electrodes

27

Aerosol components

28

Flow deflection

29

Inertia separator

30th

Separation areas

31

Filter area

32

UV radiation source

33

Foam element

34

Flowable or flow around elements

35

Heat dissipation fin

36

Circuit carrier

37

UVC LED

38

Cooling fin

39

Control components

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2455678 A2 [0011]
• DD 157626 [0011]
• DE 102015013630 A1 [0012]
• DE 202016004286 U1 [0013]

Claims (36)

Device (1) for the local sterilization of aerosol-containing air, comprising a) at least one flow channel (13) with one or more flow cross-sections, b) at least one fan (7) for generating an air flow in the flow channel, c) means for sterilizing (10) at least one aerosol in the air stream, d) at least one suction opening (4) for the aerosol-containing air into the flow channel as well e) at least one exhaust air opening (6) for a sterilized air flow from the flow channel, wherein f) the at least one suction opening opens into at least one suction volume (14), each of the at least one suction volume being adjacent to an aerosol source. Device according to one of the Claims 1 , characterized in that the at least one exhaust air opening (6) opens directly into the at least one suction volume (14). Device according to Claim 1 , further comprising at least means for deflecting (19) the air flow as a return air flow in the direction of the at least one suction opening (4) or the at least one suction volume (14) at the at least one suction opening (4). Device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the means for deflection (19) comprises at least one deflection plate (20) or a deflection channel. Device according to Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the means for deflection (19) open out or are directed directly into the at least one suction volume (14). Device according to Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the aerosol sources are positioned between the means for deflection (19) and the at least one suction opening (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged above a table or worktop (2) or an accessible room and the suction opening (4) points downwards. Device according to Claim 7 comprising a vessel (11) which is open at the top and into which part of the device (1) including the suction opening (4) is inserted to form an annular gap volume (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged below a floor, table or work top (2) and which the suction opening (4) points up through the floor, table or work surface , Device according to Claim 9 , characterized in that a cover element, preferably a cover plate (8), is arranged above the suction opening (4) at a distance to form a circumferential suction gap (21). Device according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that passage openings (22) through the floor, table or worktop (2) arranged under the suction volume (14) and preferably a deflection tub (23) under the floor, table or worktop, the exhaust air opening (6) and the passage openings are provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exhaust air opening (6) is connected to an exhaust air duct system, the fan (7) being part of the exhaust air duct system. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fan (7) is arranged in the flow channel (13) preferably between the means for sterilization (10) and exhaust air opening (6) and / or in front of the means for sterilization and the exhaust air opening . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for sterilization (10) comprise means for separating the at least one aerosol in the air stream. Device according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the means for separation comprise at least one separation surface (24) for the aerosol. Device according to Claim 15 , characterized in that an electrostatic field (25) between two electrodes (26) extends over at least part of the at least one separation surface (24), the electrostatic field extending over the entire flow cross-section at at least one point in the flow channel (13) . Device according to Claim 16 , characterized in that one of the electrodes (26) is formed by at least part of the at least one separation surface (24). Device according to one of the Claims 15 until 17th , characterized in that at least one ionization stage is arranged between the at least one suction opening (4) and the electrostatic field (25) which detects the air flow in the entire flow cross-section. Device according to one of the Claims 15 until 18th , characterized in that at least part of the at least one separation surface (24) has coolant for a surface temperature of less than 10 ° C. Device according to one of the Claims 14 until 19th , characterized in that the means for separating comprise at least one inertia force separator and / or a filter surface (31) spanning the flow cross-section. Device according to Claim 20 , characterized in that the at least one mass force separator and / or the filter surface (31) forms or has at least one separate separation surface for the at least one aerosol. Device according to one of the Claims 15 until 21 , characterized in that the means for sterilization (10) a) an electrostatic plasma field over the separation surfaces and / or b) a heating means for heating the medium flowing through to a temperature of over 40 ° C, preferably greater than 70 ° C and / or c ) at least one UV radiation source (32), preferably UV LEDs or a gas discharge lamp, preferably a mercury gas discharge lamp, comprising, with a wavelength between 180 to 410 nm, preferably between 220 and 280 nm, and / or d) a microwave source for heating which comprise at least one separation surface. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one heating means with an active area in the flow channel (13). Device according to Claim 23 , characterized in that the heating means comprises heat dissipation ribs (35) or an open-pored foam element (33), preferably made of metal, or a sieve or mesh in the flow channel. Device according to Claim 24 , characterized in that the heat dissipation ribs (35) are formed by flow line elements. Device according to one of the Claims 23 until 25th , characterized in that the heating means comprises at least one resistance heating element. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one UV light source (32, 37), preferably a UVC LED (37), with an effective area in the flow channel (13). Device according to Claim 27 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source additionally comprise heating means. Device according to Claim 28 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source and the heating means have serially arranged effective areas. Device according to Claim 28 or 29 , characterized in that the heating means comprise means for heat dissipation (35, 38) of waste heat from the at least one UV light source (32, 37). Device according to Claim 30 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source (32, 37) and the heat dissipation structure (38) are arranged on at least one circuit carrier (36) in or on the flow cross-section (13). Device according to Claim 31 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source (37) and the heat dissipation structure (35, 38) are arranged on the other side of the at least one circuit carrier (36) and the flow channel (13) is adjacent to both sides of the circuit carrier. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one means for a plasma discharge with an active area in the flow channel (13). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one microwave source with an effective area in the flow channel (13). Device according to one of the Claims 23 until 34 , characterized in that the effective area completely spans the flow cross-section at at least one point. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 19th or 22nd until 35 , characterized in that the device (1) has the flow cross-section spanning filter surface in the flow channel (13).

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